Marc Jacobs has developed a newfound fascination for the brand, Labubus.
In the realm of popular culture, a new collectible trend has emerged, capturing the hearts and wallets of consumers worldwide. Labubu, a series of collectible toys created by Hong Kong-based artist Kasing Lung, has surged in popularity over recent years, becoming a major trend that shows no signs of slowing down.
**Origins and Commercialization**
The Labubu characters were first brought to life in 2015 as part of a story series called "The Monsters." Each character is depicted as a unique female elven species, collectively known as Labubu. In 2019, Kasing Lung partnered with Pop Mart, a China-based collectibles company, to license and produce Labubu merchandise, launching them into the collectible market, particularly in the form of blind boxes containing various Labubu figures and keychains.
**Popularity and Cultural Impact**
The Labubu toys have gained a significant following due to their unique packaging, known as blind boxes, where the specific toy inside is a surprise. This element of chance, combined with the rarity of some figures, has created a viral buying experience akin to a game of chance, driving excitement and social buzz around collecting them. Celebrities such as Blackpink's Lisa, Dua Lipa, Rihanna, Emma Roberts, and even NBA players have been spotted with Labubu collectibles, enhancing their cultural cachet and transforming them into high-profile fashion accessories and collector's items.
The phenomenon has also transcended its niche market, fostering vibrant communities both online and offline. Enthusiasts bond over shared excitement, trading, and collecting, which strengthens social connections and collective identity. The collectibles have significantly influenced consumer behavior, with active secondary markets and resell sites where enthusiasts hunt for rare Labubus. Their appeal lies in the emotional journey of surprise, anticipation, and the gamble-like thrill without the financial risks of gambling.
**A Global Obsession**
The Labubu craze has swept across the globe, inspiring extensive unboxing videos, long queues in stores, and even disputes among collectors. The toys have captured consumer enthusiasm, becoming a worldwide social trend that continues to grow. In the fashion world, designers such as Marc Jacobs have also been drawn to Labubus, attracted by their limited and exclusive nature, as well as their combination of nostalgia, absurdity, horror movie gremlin-like qualities, and childhood plushie features.
Limited drops of Labubus sell out quickly and can be found on resale sites at triple the original price. Labubus are often seen dangling off tote bags of famous people, standing on office desks, and peeking out of coat pockets. The musician VAS LEON is one of the many adults who have been captivated by the Labubu trend, starting his collection over a year ago. He was drawn to the suspense of not knowing which one he would get when opening a box, as well as the search for the 'secret' Labubu.
**Pop Mart and the High-Stakes Treasure Hunt**
Pop Mart, the company behind Labubus, has built a fervent fan base by making "blind box" shopping a high-stakes treasure hunt. The company has released several series, each with its own unique designs and rarities, keeping collectors on their toes and driving demand. The Labubu taken by Marc Jacobs is an AirPod case from Pop Mart's 'Wacky Mart Series', inspired by Tokyo 7-Eleven snacks.
In conclusion, Labubu collectibles have evolved from a creative character concept into a global collectible craze, driven by scarcity, social interaction, and cultural endorsement, making them one of the most unique and influential collectible toy trends in recent years.
- The Labubu collectibles, influenced by celebrities like Blackpink's Lisa, Dua Lipa, Rihanna, Emma Roberts, and even NBA players, have transformed into high-profile fashion accessories and collector's items, reflecting the intersection of fashion-and-beauty and pop-culture.
- Communities around the world have been formed around the Labubu craze, bringing together enthusiasts who bond over the thrill of blind box-unboxing, trading, and collecting, creating a unique lifestyle that blends entertainment, excitement, and camaraderie.
- In the realm of pop-culture, Labubu collectibles have gained global popularity, serving as an example of how a creative character concept can evolve into a trend-setting, style-defining, and highly collectible item, impacting consumer behavior and cultural tastes.
